Two-way double stepladder



Patented Dec. 8,1942 f UNl'iED STATS FENT FFICE 2,304,587 f f Two-WAYDOUBLE sTErLAi-)DER Emanuel R. Morando, New York, N. Y. ApplicationMarch 18, 1942, Serial No.` 435,153

2 Claims.

This invention relates to a double step-ladder, and has particularreference to a work ladder for two persons.

The main object of this invention, is the back to back arrangement oftwo step-ladders, one at` of parts, for a relatively long period oftime. A

feature of the disclosure resides in the combination of a pair ofstep-ladders which are surmounted by one head table.

Another object of this invention, the adaptation of the two ladders toswivel on each end of the service head table, in which they may beswiveled from their end position as a double step ladder, to the frontposition whereof the top service table may bear against the wall, or besupported by a brace.

As herein disclosed the device is illustrated as a short ladder, of thetype of a so-called set of steps, but the disclosure is not so limited,since the principle and substantial structure thereof may beincorporated in a longer ladder, or in a device of this kind which mayhave Kthe legs thereof joined, or of the type well known as extensionladders.

Another object of this invention is theprovision of a ladder in whichthe leg and step structures may be instrumental in serving as means forcarrying other conveniences, such as a flexible container or receptaclemeans for holding tools and the like, and to provide a ladder in which,having a relatively large service head table therein, is of suchformation that a user may transfer from one part thereof, on the samelevel, to another part, so that all parts of said table may be reachedwithout difficulty. The double drawer arrangement under the service headtable provides for an assortment of braids, nails, screws, and othernecessary supplies needed, in which two workers may operate at the sametime, on the same plane or level, so that both may cooperate, or assistor help the other. The instant ladder may be used on all places, such asthe household, factories, business places or stores, where ladders ofthe single ladder type have heretofore been used.

With the above indicated objects, features and advantages in view, aswell as others, which will hereinafter appear, this invention resides inthe structures, combination and arrangement of parts hereinafter fullydescribed and illustrated in the accompanying drawing, in which:

Figure l is a front elevational view of the improved double step-ladderof this invention;

Figure 2 is an. end view thereof;

Figure 3 is a topplan View of the flexible tool holder;

Figure 4 is an end view, similar to Fig. 2, eX- cept in this instancethe double ladders have a swivel connection to the service head table;

Figure 5 is a front view of Fig. 4;

Figure 6 is a modification of the ladder steps.

Referring to the drawing, each ladder includes a pair of legs I9, Il,between which are steps I2 secured to the legs Il) and Il, by anysuitable means, such as by the brackets I3 and bolts I4, to make samefirm and durable. The steps I2 are of such distance apart, on therespective leg members, as to be conveniently accessible to the feet ofa user while mounting the device. These steps l2 may be slightlyelevated at the rear side thereof as noted in Fig. 1, or may be elevatedat the front, if so desired.

Each ladder I5 and I6 is connected by metal brace members II, the endsof which are suitably connected to the steps or legs. The braces II mayhave a medial joint or hinge I 8 therewith and the end attaching meanstherefor may be bolts, such as the element I9.

A'work table, to be known as a service headtable 20 vmounted on the topsof said legs includes a rectangular slab of wood or any other suitablematerial, this slab or member being of such longitudinal and transverseextent as to project beyond the ends of the legs l0, II.

At the top ends of the legs Ill and Il, a plate 22 and bracket 23 form apivotal connection 24 to the underside of the service head table 20. Atopposite ends of drawers 2'I are a pair of wood brackets or cleats 25a,each of which rest onto the inwardly projecting ribs 25. The ribs 25form a track for a double drawer assembly that provides a seat forsliding the drawers 2'I, which have divided compartments 28 therein todeposit nails, screws, or any supplies needed for the work to be done.

In Figures 4 and 5, the double ladders are shown in an alternative form,whereby in the table top 20 a swivel or turntable connection 35 isplaced on a fixed plate 42 having a bearing washer 42'. This swivelconnection provides means to arrange each ladder l5 and I6 to be seteither in the end and self standing positions as shown in dot and dashlines or in a right angle and front position, as shown in full lines, orin any universal position of a complete circle. This allows the table20' to bear against a wall as at 36. However, if so desired, a bracemember 31 shown in dot and dash lines may provide convenient supports toeach ladder in which event, the service table 20' does not bear againstthe wall. When not in use, this brace-may be moved in parallel relationto the outer legs l0, and secured thereat by a thumb screw 38 into aslot 39 of the brace. A locking bar 4D with holes 4| therein providemeans t0 position the brace 31 as desired. Similar parts with theirnumerals are primed over the same numeral shown in Figures 1 and 2.Brackets 23' on legs lll and Il, are secured to the cross-plate 42.

On each end of the table 20 are two reversible hooks 45, that may beswung over a pinhook 46 in an optional position as shown in Fig. 2, andon the hooks 45 may be removably suspended a paint pail, tool bag orcontainer 48,

In Fig, 3 a tool receptacle includes a lowermost sheet metal or flexiblestrap member 50 and an upper narrow strap 5|. The strap may haveangularly turned, integral attaching flanges 52, conventionallyrepresented in the drawing, thereby providing pockets 54 a certain spacetherebetween, as seen in Fig. 1. Fastening means, such as by stitchingat 55, may be used for securing said flanges, and between the top andbottom straps are similar divisional v segments, which are formed intoloops or pockets or implacements 54, as shown, of different sizes, fortools, brushes or the like.

The disclosure includes further under, or subtables, also each alike andone on each pair of legs or set of ladder steps. An under-table, havinga leaf 56 is swingable between an 'upward or folded position, orextended to a working position, the latter being shown in a dot and dashlines in Fig. 1 in association with a top step I2.

The leaf 56 in the present instance has a recessed portion 5l, hasattached thereto as by fastening elements, a pair of lugs 58, one ateach side. a pin 59, the latter being fast with the ladder legs thereat,onto which the pins 59 of the table leaf is pivoted. Stop pins 60, onefor each under table, find terminal fastenings in the legs Il), Il,

The lugs'are apertured and have therein i and on these pins the tablesrest, as shown in full lines, when not required for use.

Variations may be resorted to within the scope of the invention andclaims, and parts of the improvements may be used without others.Similar parts of the convertible form shown in Figs. 4 and 5, aredesignated by the same numeral, or are primed therewith.

Having thus described my invention what I claim as new and desire tosecure by Letters Patents of the United States of America, is asfollows:

1. In a two-way double step ladder of the character described, a pair ofindividual ladders, each of which is pivotally connected at the topportion thereof, to the underside cf a rectangular service head or worktable, said ladders being provided with medial braces connectedtherewith, said ladders adapted to be swiveled from their self standingend position to a right angle front position or to the rear of said worktable, whereby it may bear against any object, said ladders providedwith vertical braces that may be optionally used in said front or rearpositions, said work table provided with pull drawers in between the topportions of said ladders, reversible hooks arranged onto the endportions of said work table, either for the iront or rear positions ofthe ladders, each of said ladders provided with an under-table adaptableto be swung from its normal resting verticallike position onto the upperstep portion of said ladders, to a working horizontal position, a toolreceptacle flexibly connected to the side legs of said ladders adjacentthe under-table, said tool receptacle having spaced pockets for holdingtools, said ladders adapted to be turned in towards each other at theirupper pivotal connection to said work'table, when not in use, whereatsaid tool receptacles, and medial braces connecting said ladders arecollapsible and foldable accordingly. Y

2. In a universal two-way double step ladder of the character described,including separate step ladders swivelly connected to a top service orwork table, said swivel conection providing a turntable thereat for eachseparate ladder, so either may me turned to any desired position to saidservice or Work table, each of said ladders having their side legmembers also pivoted to a plate member forming part of the swivelconnections, whereby said ladders may be swung inwardly or outwardly asmay be desired.

EMANUEL R.- MORANDO.

